28 Nov 2011

Competitiveness conference to push for clusters

7:12 am on 28 November 2011

Competitiveness is on the agenda and New Zealand is being urged to further nurture clusters of similar firms or industries to help ensure the country's future prosperity.

The Competitiveness Institute of Spain holds its annual conference in Auckland later this week. It will consider the rise of Asia's economic might, globalisation and the power of the internet, and the growing prevalence of clusters to build national wealth.

Enthusiasm for clusters has waxed and waned in New Zealand over the last 20 years, with a lack of enthusiasm predominating despite New Zealand Trade and Industry providing assistance to identified key sectors.

Conference chairman Tony Caughey says the evidence overseas shows clusters work.